Description:
The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking an experienced and driven Attorney to join our team as our General Counsel. The General Counsel must be skilled in exercising discretion and independent judgment in overseeing the day-to-day functions of the Office of the General Counsel, providing legal advice and consultation to the Director, Deputy Directors, and Division Administrators on a variety of correctional and government issues. This role requires a leader with a keen legal acumen, and demonstrates the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders including the Governor's Office, Attorney General's Office, and outside law firms working on current and pending litigation affecting the Agency. The ideal candidate will put forth a perfect effort, operate with integrity, and support the mission and vision of the Agency. The ideal candidate should be familiar with current criminal and civil justice case law, rules, and regulations. The General Counsel will use this foundation to give guidance, assess policies and procedures, and identify and resolve legal issues that may impact ADCRR.Job Duties:
- Provides advice to the Director and leadership team on an ad hoc basis as issues arise across the agency
- Supervises a team of attorneys, administrators, and other support staff
- Reviews and offers recommendations regarding Agency policy and procedure
- Coordinates ADCRR's response with other stakeholders (Executive, Attorney General's office, etc.) on significant cases, rulings, and events
- Supports the Assistant Attorney General team assigned to represent the ADCRR in inmate lawsuits, procurement issues, and public records litigation
- Provides oversight to the Inmate Grievance and Disciplinary Hearing Officers and provides legal advice to the agency relating to grievance and disciplinary appeals
- Provides oversight of record retention schedules
- Provides oversight of public records request, subpoenas, and court orders through the Subpoena and Public Records Office
- Provides day-to-day interpretation of policy in response to outside advocates and attorneys
- Oversees the ADCRR Inmate Legal Access Program
- Drives on State business, including overnight stays
- Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations governing the ADCRR's operations including employment, contract, administrative, criminal, and corrections law, 1983 and related civil rights provisions
- All phases of administrative proceedings and the litigation process
- State and Federal administrative hearings and proceedings
- Legislative, Judicial and executive branches of Arizona State Government
- Operations of the Office of the Attorney General and the Risk Management Division of the Arizona Department of Administration
- Effective leadership practices
- Principles of management and supervision
Skill in:
- Analyzing and solving complex legal issues and problems
- Drafting complex and sensitive documents
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Negotiation
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Organization and time management
- Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
Ability to:
- Effectively supervise and lead a team of staff
- Identify complex legal, operational, and programmatic issues and develop proposed solutions
- Communicate effectively with external entities, stakeholders, and internal staff at all organizational levels
- Exercise sound judgment in making ethical decisions and providing advice
- Maintain professionalism
- Learn and implement the ADCRR's objectives, policies and procedures
- Participate in the drafting of instructional materials for department staff
- Conduct formal and informal training for Agency staff
- Drive on State business statewide including overnight stays
Selective Preference(s):
- A minimum of 7 (seven) years of practice
- Experience performing administrative work in a criminal or law office environment
- Experience with civil litigation and civil case
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation.
This position is required to have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited Law School.
License must be in good standing to practice law in the State of Arizona.
In an effort to maintain a safe environment, all employees are required to take a Tuberculosis (TB) test during their New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
We offer an excellent and affordable comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees:
- Vacation and sick days with 10 paid holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
- Robust and affordable insurance plan to include medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability options
- Exceptional retirement program
- Optional employee benefits such as deferred compensation plans, credit union membership, and a wellness program
- An incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Current ADCRR Employees: Consult with your respective Human Resources Liaison if you are in a different retirement plan than the one indicated above.
Contact Us:
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 255-2430. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
